Stand up, step forward

Reporting suspected child abuse is everyone's responsibility - whether a mandated reporter or private citizen. If you suspect a child has been abused, contact your local child protective services. For the State of Michigan, please call: 1-855-444-3911

Why didn't my child tell me about this sooner?

Children do not always know exactly what is happening to them when they are being sexually abused.Many times the child is just not able to understand enough to talk about the abuse.Many children have been threatened or told not to tell.The fact is, most times when a child tells about the abuse, it is the first time they felt strong enough, trusting enough, or capable enough to relay the information.

Why did my child not feel comfortable telling me first?

Many parents feel that their child should have felt comfortable enough to tell them because of the close relationship they have.However, children who have a close relationship with their parents can often identify the hurt their parents will feel and will protect their parents from the hurt by telling someone else with whom they have a close or trusting relationship.

What should I say to my child?

It is very important in a child’s healing that the child hear repeatedly that the abuse was not their fault.The caretakers in the child’s life need to understand and be able to say that the offender is to blame and that his/her actions were wrong.It helps a child most to hear: “This is NOT your fault.”

For more information about how to respond to an abuse victim, or to communicate with your child about abuse, please check out these: